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What!? Cigarettes! No, no, no, remember that these are books, shrunken, unabridged editions in a paper cigarette box that's easy to carry around and much better for your health. And, yes, we posted these last year, but they get another shot in the spotlight because they're a crazy good gift or stocking stuffer. Available individually or in a set of 6 (see below). Tin of 6 Cig Packs, $72.00, available...Read more

Noah Lambert has added a great leg option to the marketplace: the Tessello. Sold as a set of 3 for $90 (or a set of 4 for $120) it's a pretty affordable option, especially if you already have a table that just needs a makeover in the leg department. Media center, coffee table, nightstand, you name it, the legs are a no-brainer for an easy update, as you'd only need...Read more

As you might have noticed, gift guides are popping up all over the place. We'll have some wishlists/gift guides just like last year in the upcoming weeks, but until then, keep these pins by Macon and Lesquoy on your radar. They're intended purely for fun, and, as they're quite small (~1"- 2"), could be easily worn on shirts, jackets, and bags. Perfect for co-workers, friends, etc. Designers: Marie Macon and...Read more

How about some asymmetrical shelving for your storage needs? Made of solid cherry, the Sum Shelving System attaches to the wall with brass fixings. Three of the four sides of each shelf have a special groove that allows endless configurations, so you'll have a multitude of arrangements to choose from depending on your needs. Build it up vertically, horizontally, diagonally- whichever way you prefer. Sold as a set of 3....Read more

Like your espressos but hate your machine? Or, like your espressos but can't be bothered to buy a machine? Take a look at this stovetop espresso maker and see if it doesn't tempt you with the idea of a DIY espresso-driven bliss each and every morning. There are four sizes available (2-cup, 4-cup, 6-cup and 10-cup, all measured in tiny espresso cups, mind you, not standard baking measures) and a...Read more

Oh, what a tempting, tiny speaker. There's the choice of hand-crafted Walnut or Bamboo case, and sure, that looks pretty good, but the point of that wood/bamboo is the natural acoustic properties. Also, check out the size: 3" X 3" X 3". Compact. Of course, it has integrated Bluetooth (what speaker nowadays doesn't?) and it delivers enough sound to fill a decently sized space. Other standout bullet points are its...Read more

I picture these simple United States Flashcards being used before touch-screens and other hi-tech devices. Why not bring back some old-school schooling? Might make a nice gift to your favorite niece/nephew/child (if they appreciate flash-card variety games) or, hey, be selfish and use them decoratively. The Alphabet Flashcards are equally appealing (shown below). Alphabet Flashcards, $42.00 Available from Michele Varian....Read more

Make Magazine's recent mention of Bonsai Shears brought to mind one of my own recent experiences. For a while now I've attempted to keep alive a variety of plants, and I've been somewhat successful. However, out of all those experiences, perhaps the most disappointing was losing a small bonsai tree to the Texas weather (and my ineptitude). A recent find of the Jabily succulent (Operculicarya decaryi), which can be grown...Read more

Yeah, you remember these, don't you? They've been featured here before (years ago) and therefore need a fresh post with a link that works. They're glass bottles in the same shape as the familiar plastic bottle, thus drawing attention to consumerism and reinforcing the reuse/recycle ethos. But it's made of glass, you say, and will break! Not necessarily, as the bottles are made from borosilicate glass (the same stuff your...Read more

Ferm Living's Diamond Hooks look good with or without clothes (just like you, right?). Two or three sets scattered all over an entryway wall would serve as wall art when not being utilized as coat/clothes/bag hook. Three hooks in one set. Diamond Hooks- Smoked Oak, $75.00 Also available in a lighter Oak....Read more

Update: Do you happen to remember the Scaffolding Lamps by Rodger Stevens? Well, check out the current sale prices: Scaffolding Floor Lamp $499.99, Scaffolding Table Lamp $299.99. Quite a discount from the previously listed prices in '09 (below). How absolutely wonderful are these lamps by Rodger Stevens? I'll tell you how wonderful they are: they're the sort of lamps you'd buy without thinking about how you can't afford them because...Read more

Give this to your favorite Republican and be prepared for an awkward thanks. Or just buy it as a friendly welcome mat for all your guests; either way, it'll clean shoes regardless of political affiliation. Materials: Coir, Vinyl, Enamel Size: 30" L x 18" W Care instructions: clean with a garden hose Recommended for indoor and outdoor use...Read more

Yet another Themis mobile? Yes, indeed, and this one has five distinct palette colors: salmon, beige, green, balck and gold. If you're not familiar with the others, the Themis Mono Mobile is one dodecahedron with warm and cool colors, the Themis Mobile has five faceted ornaments, and the Themis Trio Mobile has, you guessed it, three polyhedra in a palette of neon and neutral colors. Comes Preassembled. Measures 16" x...Read more

Katie Paterson: A map of all the dead stars in the Universe. via @openculture A 3-foot-wide house/art installation squeezed into an alleyway. Tutorials to Make Toys from Trash (via swissmiss) WHEN CLIENTS’ DUMBEST REQUESTS BECOME ART Also Fast Co.: This Nifty Machine Makes Furniture Using Thread Instead Of Screws Letters of Note: Our differences unite us A look inside Lindsey Adelman's studio over at Design Milk. Gabriel Dawe's Thread Art...Read more

Quinze & Milan's Pilot Stool is notable not only for its curved (and seemingly comfortable) seat, but also for its new method of fabrication. Polypropylene foam is utilized in a special manufacturing technique (see below video) to create a glossy-yet-matte surface. The oak legs thread onto the seat, making the stool easy to ship and assemble. Available in three different height variations: standard, kitchen, and bar. Designed by Patrick Rampelotto...Read more